US Passport Photo Size: 2×2 Inches and the Head Rules
A US passport photo is 2×2 in (51×51 mm) with the head 1 to 1⅜ in tall. Here’s every requirement and how to crop and print one correctly at home.
3 min read ·
A US passport photo must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with your head between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, and your eyes between 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches (29–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. The same size is used for US visas. The Passport Photo Maker has a United States preset that crops your photo to these exact measurements with on-screen guides.
US passport photo requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ in (25–35 mm), top of hair to chin |
| Eye height | 1⅛ to 1⅜ in (29–35 mm) from the bottom |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| Expression | Neutral or natural smile, both eyes open |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Head coverings | Not allowed, except for religious or medical reasons with a signed statement |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Color | Color photo, not black and white |
| Editing | No filters or retouching that changes your appearance |
Always check the State Department's current guidance before you apply — the rules are updated from time to time.
Make a US passport photo at home
- Take the photo against a plain white or off-white wall, facing a window for even light, with someone else holding the phone at eye level about 4 feet away.
- Open the Passport Photo Maker and choose United States — passport & visa (2×2 in).
- Add your photo and drag and zoom it until the top of your head and your chin sit between the guides.
- Choose 4×6 in photo paper — two 2×2 photos fit side by side — and 300 DPI.
- Download the sheet and print it at a pharmacy kiosk or photo service as a standard 4×6 print, at actual size.
- Cut out the photos along the guide lines. You need one for a passport application.
Digital photos for online renewal
US passport renewals can be done online in many cases, and the online system asks for a digital photo instead of a print. Use the single 2×2 photo from the tool. Check the upload rules in the application — if it sets a maximum file size, shrink the photo with Compress Image to KB.
Why photos get rejected
The most common reasons, according to passport agencies, are easy to avoid:
- Shadows on the face or on the background — use soft daylight and stand away from the wall.
- Glasses — remove them, even if you always wear them.
- Wrong size — the head too small or too large in the frame. The guides fix this.
- Poor quality — blurry, grainy, too dark or too light. Brighten gently with Brightness & Contrast if needed, but don't retouch.
- Background — not plain, or not white. The Background Changer can replace a cluttered background with white; make sure your hair edges look natural.
- Selfies taken at arm's length, which distort the face.
Babies and children
Children need their own passport photos, with the same size and background rules. For babies, lay them on a plain white sheet and photograph from above; their eyes should be open if possible, and no hands or toys may be visible in the photo.
Visa photos for other countries
Other countries use different sizes — the UK, Schengen countries and Australia use 35 × 45 mm, Canada 50 × 70 mm, China 33 × 48 mm. The tool includes these presets; see how to make a passport photo at home for general tips that apply to all of them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print a 2×2 photo on regular paper?
The State Department requires photo-quality paper, matte or glossy. Plain office paper isn't accepted.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Cropping and layout happen in your browser.